Removable display and operating module for field devices

Abstract

The invention relates to a measuring device (300) for filling level measurement, limit level determination, flow measurement, pressure measurement and / or temperature measurement, such as a field device, having a detachable display and operation module (100). The display and operation module (100) comprises a radio module (120) and an electrical connection element (140). The electrical connection element (140) is configured to form a detachable connection with a connection fitting (160) for transmitting a high-frequency signal from the radio module (120) to a high-frequency housing sleeve (220) and / or an antenna (240) of the field device (300).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a measuring device, for example a field device, for fill level measurement, limit level determination, flow measurement, pressure measurement and / or temperature measurement. In particular, the invention relates to a field device having a radio module, a production method and a use. Background Art

[0002] For filling level measurement or limit level determination, in many cases, measuring devices, in particular field devices, are equipped with radio modules, for example in order to enable simple interconnection of these devices to automation systems. The concept of such automation systems is sometimes expressed by the term "Industry 4.0". At least some field devices are equipped with a robust metal sensor housing in order to reduce damage caused by environmental influences (e.g. mechanical loads, moisture, UV radiation, etc.). However, the metal sensor housing may at least reduce the range of the radio waves of the radio module arranged in the sensor housing. Summary of the invention

[0003] It is an object of the invention to at least partially improve the range of a radio module.

[0004] A first aspect relates to a detachable display and operating module for a measuring device and / or a field device for filling level measurement or limit level determination. The display and operating module comprises a radio module and an electrical connection element, which is configured to form a detachable connection with a connection mating piece for transmitting a high-frequency signal from the radio module to a high-frequency housing sleeve and / or an antenna of the field device.

[0005] In the following, the term "display and operating module" is used to denote a module of a field device comprising a radio module. It can be a display and operating module, a display module only, an operating module only, a radio module only, a combination of such modules and / or other forms. The detachable display and operating module can, for example, be plugged into the field device electronics and / or be removably arranged in the sensor housing in another way. Therefore, in at least some embodiments, a modular concept can be implemented, which modular concept makes it possible, for example, to combine different types of sensors with a display and operating module and / or other modules that are at least partially arranged in the sensor housing. For example, the sensor can be designed as an impedance limit switch, a vibration limit switch, a measuring device with a high-frequency front end, an ultrasonic front end or a laser front end and / or a radioactivity measuring device. For example, in the modular system of Vega, The modular concept for measuring devices or field devices is implemented in . The display and operating module PLICSCOM can be cited as an example of a display and operating module that can be used Operation and operation of the sensor.

[0006] For at least some applications in process automation and / or automation systems, it is advantageous to equip measuring devices or field devices with radio modules so that, for example, measured values, data for predicting sensor and system maintenance, parameterization data and / or other types of data are wirelessly transmitted to, for example, users of automation systems and / or field devices, process control centers, clouds and / or other receiving points. For example, at least some of the radio standards used can be optimized for low power consumption and / or high data transmission rates. Since the devices of process automation are subject to potentially destructive environmental influences in many cases, at least some of these devices can have a metal sensor housing. A metal sensor housing may be necessary or at least useful to reduce the impact of environmental influences such as temperature fluctuations, moisture, UV radiation, mechanical loads, etc. However, if the radio module is arranged in a housing, the metal sensor housing may weaken the propagation of radio waves. At least some types of non-metallic sensor housings may also weaken the propagation of radio waves. For example, if the radio module is designed as part of a display and operating module, this arrangement can support the modular concept of the field device. However, the arrangement in the housing is contrary to requirements such as low power consumption and / or high data transmission rates. These conflicting requirements can be overcome advantageously by means of an electrical connection element which is configured to form a removable connection with a connection mating piece to transmit a high-frequency signal from a radio module to a high-frequency housing sleeve of a field device. In particular, the high-frequency housing sleeve can be used to transmit the high-frequency signal to an antenna and / or to be connected to the antenna, and in this way a large range, low power consumption and / or high data transmission rate can be achieved. This can be applied not only to metallic sensor housings but also to non-metallic sensor housings. The high-frequency housing sleeve is a housing sleeve which is configured to transmit and / or transfer high frequencies. By means of this embodiment of the display and operating module, the information and communication systems of the so-called "Industry 4.0" can also be used and / or integrated in a particularly simple manner.

[0007] In some embodiments, the electrical connection element is fixed to a printed circuit board. The electrical connection element can be soldered, adhered, cast, welded, screwed and / or otherwise fixed, for example, to a printed circuit board, a printed circuit card, a circuit board and / or a printed circuit. Thus, a connection is advantageously provided which is particularly simple to control and can be easily integrated into the production of the display operating module.

[0008] In some embodiments, the electrical connection element is connected to the printed circuit board via a cable. The cable can, for example, be soldered to and / or otherwise fixed to the printed circuit board. In an embodiment, the cable can be designed to be relatively short, for example, having a length of only a few centimeters (cm). Thus, a particularly flexible connection to the high-frequency housing sleeve can be advantageously achieved.

[0009] In some embodiments, the electrical connection element is designed as a coaxial plug and the connection partner is configured as a coaxial socket, or the electrical connection element is configured as a coaxial socket and the connection partner is configured as a coaxial plug. The coaxial connector can be designed as a screwable, bayonet and / or pluggable connector. The advantage of coaxial cables and plug connectors is that they can conduct high-frequency electromagnetic waves, such as for example for radio communication, in particular with low losses. Alternatively or in addition, other types of connectors can also be used, such as twisted pairs or other HF connectors such as USB, Firebolt, etc.

[0010] In some embodiments, the electrical connection element is configured to transmit frequencies in the ISM band (ISM: Industrial, Scientific and Medical Band) and / or the telecommunication band. The telecommunication band can use radio networks such as 2G, 3G, LTE, 5G, etc. Radio standards such as Bluetooth, IEEE 802.15.4 (e.g., with ANT, Bluetooth, ZigBee), LoRa, Mioty, etc. can use the ISM band. The radio module can, for example, support protocols for wireless personal area networks (WPANs), wireless LANs (WLANs), and / or low-power wide area networks (LPWANs). For example, the protocols and / or frequencies used can be optimized for low power consumption or high data transmission rates. The radio device can be configured to transmit data to a server and / or another measurement and / or display device, and / or receive data from the server and / or the other measurement and / or display device.

[0011] In conjunction with the modular concept of the field device, the display and operating module can be equipped and / or retrofitted with different types of communication protocols and / or frequencies, so as to be able to meet a wide range of requirements.

[0012] In some embodiments, the electrical connection element is configured to transmit frequencies between 30 MHz and 20 GHz, for example between 100 MHz and 10 GHz, in particular between 100 MHz and 5 GHz. In these frequency ranges, antenna "expansion" is particularly advantageous for improving transmission performance.

[0013] In some embodiments, the display and operating module is configured to be arranged in the sensor housing. This arrangement can particularly support a modular concept for the construction of the field device.

[0014] One aspect relates to a sensor housing for a field device for filling level measurement or limit level determination, which is designed to completely accommodate the above-mentioned and / or below-mentioned display and operating module with a radio module and / or electrical connection elements. In this case, the sensor housing comprises a high-frequency housing sleeve, which is designed to transmit high-frequency signals from the radio module and is connected to an antenna. Since the sensor housing completely accommodates these elements, an effective protection function can be achieved, for example against potentially damaging environmental influences.

[0015] In some embodiments, the high-frequency housing sleeve is designed as a coaxial plug or a coaxial socket. For example, the housing sleeve can be screwed into a thread of the sensor housing, for example, a thread arranged on the sensor housing during the manufacture of the application, and penetrate the sensor housing, for example, in a sealable manner. For this purpose, a series of cable threaded connectors can be used, such as PG threaded connectors, metric threads, NPT threaded connectors and / or other types of threaded connectors. The high-frequency housing sleeve is preferably designed to be sturdy.

[0016] In some embodiments, the electrical connection element is designed as a coaxial plug or a coaxial socket. For example, in SMA, MCX, MMCX, SMP and / or other variants, a coaxial connector can be used as the connection type (ie, how the antenna is connected to the coaxial cable).

[0017] In some embodiments, the antenna is designed to be integrable into the sensor housing. The integrable antenna can, for example, be realized as a removable or non-removable part of the sensor housing.

[0018] One aspect relates to a method for producing a field device for fill level measurement or limit level determination, comprising the following steps:

[0019] Providing a sensor housing for a field device;

[0020] Arranging a high-frequency housing sleeve and / or an antenna on the sensor housing, which is connected to a connecting counterpart, ie a counterpart of the electrical connecting element;

[0021] connecting the connection fitting to an electrical connection element connected to a radio module of the detachable display and operating module; and

[0022] The display and operating module is arranged in the sensor housing, wherein the sensor housing completely accommodates the display and operating module as well as the connecting element.

[0023] The high-frequency housing sleeve enables an electrical and mechanical connection. For example, the high-frequency housing sleeve can be arranged on a wall, wherein the electrical sleeve is implemented to pass through the wall. The high-frequency housing sleeve can, for example, be arranged in a housing sleeve, which is arranged in a thread in the housing. In this case, the housing sleeve can be designed to protect the internal sensor electronics from environmental influences. After screwing in the housing sleeve, the HF plug connector can be connected, for example to connect the electrical connection element and the connection mating part. The display operating module can then be connected to the sensor electronics, for example via a plug-in closure. The antenna can then be connected to the plug of the housing sleeve. Furthermore, there can be advantages when installing the display operating module. In some embodiments, for example in Vega's In the case of a system, the electrical connection element is inserted only after the housing sleeve has been screwed in.

[0024] In some embodiments, the method comprises the following additional steps:

[0025] disposing an antenna on the sensor housing; and

[0026] Connect the antenna to the HF housing sleeve.

[0027] The antenna can be arranged, for example, on the wall of the sensor housing, and the antenna can also be designed to be integrated and / or pluggable and removable. The connection can be made electrically and optionally mechanically. As an alternative embodiment, the antenna can be fastened to the outside and / or designed, for example, as a wire antenna. Depending on the radio standard, different antennas can be used. Here, the antenna can be adapted to the corresponding frequency range.

[0028] One aspect relates to the use of the aforementioned and / or described measuring device, field device, measuring system and / or sensor housing or the aforementioned and / or described method for fill level measurement, limit level determination, pressure measurement and / or temperature measurement.

[0029] For further clarification, the present invention will be described according to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. These embodiments should be understood as examples only and not as limitations. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same or similar elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 A simplified diagram of a display operation module according to an embodiment is shown in a perspective view.

[0031] Figure 2 A simplified diagram of a display operation module according to an embodiment is shown in front view.

[0032] Figure 3 A simplified diagram of a display operating module according to an embodiment is schematically shown in a side view.

[0033] Figure 4A simplified diagram of a display and operating module with connecting elements and other elements according to another exemplary embodiment is schematically shown.

[0034] Figure 5 A simplified diagram of a display and operating module with connecting elements and other elements according to another exemplary embodiment is schematically shown.

[0035] Figure 6 The following figure schematically shows a simplified diagram of a display and operating module with a connecting element according to a further exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Figure 7 A simplified diagram of a field device according to an exemplary embodiment is schematically shown in a perspective side view.

[0037] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a field device according to an exemplary embodiment is shown in a top view.

[0038] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of a field device according to a further exemplary embodiment is shown in a perspective view.

[0039] Fig.10 A method for manufacturing a field device according to an embodiment is shown. Specific embodiments

[0040] Figure 1 A simplified diagram of a display and operation module 100 according to an embodiment is shown in a perspective view. The display and operation module 100 comprises an upper part 112 and a lower part 118. A lateral handle 114, a display 115 and an operation button 116 are arranged in the upper part 112. The lateral handle 114 enables the display and operation module 100 to be disassembled or removed and installed in a simple manner. Figure 2 Shown in front view Figure 1 Elements of the upper portion 112 are shown. Figure 3 The upper part 112 and the lower part 118 of the display and operating module 100 are shown in a side view. Furthermore, an electrical connection element 140 is shown, which in this exemplary embodiment protrudes from the lower part 118 and can be designed, for example, as a coaxial plug.

[0041] Figure 4A schematic diagram of a display operation module 100 with connection elements and other elements according to another embodiment is shown. Here, an electrical connection element 140 (e.g., a coaxial plug) is connected to the display operation module 100 via a line 145 (e.g., a coaxial line). The electrical connection element 140 can be connected to a connection fitting 160 (e.g., a coaxial socket), that is, it can be electrically and / or mechanically connected to the connection fitting. The connection fitting 160 is connected to a high-frequency housing sleeve 220 via a line 165 (e.g., a coaxial line). The line 225 (e.g., a coaxial line) is connected from the high-frequency housing sleeve 220 to the antenna 240.

[0042] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a display and operating module 100 with a connecting element 140 and other elements according to another embodiment is shown in a bottom view. In this exemplary embodiment, the connecting element 140 is fixed to a printed circuit board 180. In addition, a plug-in closure 119 is shown, which is arranged on the annular element of the lower part 118, so that the display and operating module 100 can be easily disassembled or removed and / or installed by rotation. This supports the above-mentioned concept of a modular system. Figure 6 The following view shows Figure 5 Elements of the lower portion 118 are shown.

[0043] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a field device 300 according to an embodiment is shown in a perspective side view. The field device 300 comprises a sturdy metal sensor housing 200. The display operation module 100 protected by the metal housing 200 is arranged in the sensor housing 200. The metal housing 200 may include non-metallic parts, such as a viewing window 210, through which the display 115 can be seen (see, for example, FIG. 210 ). Figure 1 ). In one embodiment, the viewing window can be replaced by an opening so that the operating button 116 can be operated. If the operating button 116 cannot be directly contacted, the field device 300 can be operated by radio. The antenna 240 is arranged on the high-frequency housing sleeve 220. When using other frequency bands, the design of the antenna can be different.

[0044] Figure 8 The schematic diagram of the field device 300 according to one embodiment is shown in a top view. The installed display and operation module 100 can be seen through the viewing window 210 in the metal housing 200 .

[0045] Fig. 9A schematic diagram of a field device 300 according to another exemplary embodiment is shown in a perspective view. Here, the sensor housing 200 completely accommodates the display and operating module 100 as well as the connecting element 140 (not visible), so that these elements are largely protected by the sensor housing 200 from damage by environmental influences. The sensor device 280 is only partially accommodated in the metallic sensor housing 200 and has its own protection. The antenna 240 is arranged on the high-frequency housing sleeve 220, which is designed for communication with the high-frequency housing sleeve 220. Figure 7 The antennas shown have different frequency ranges and therefore have different shapes. The design of the high-frequency housing sleeve 220 can be different from Figure 7 The designs shown are similar or identical.

[0046] Fig.10 A field device 300 according to an embodiment is shown (see, for example, Figures 7 to 9 ) is a flow chart 400 of a manufacturing method of a field device 300. In step 402, a sensor housing 200, in particular a metal sensor housing, of a field device 300 is provided. In step 404, a high-frequency housing sleeve 220 connected to a connection fitting 160 is arranged on the sensor housing 200. In step 406, the connection fitting 160 is connected to an electrical connection element 140, which is itself connected to a detachable display and operating module 100 with a radio module 120. In step 408, the display and operating module 100 is arranged in the sensor housing 200, wherein the sensor housing 200 completely accommodates the display and operating module 100 and the connection element 140.

[0047] It should also be noted that different embodiments can be combined with each other unless explicitly excluded and / or due to technical impossibility. In addition, it should be pointed out that "comprising" and "having" do not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be pointed out that features or steps that have been described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments can also be used in combination with other features or steps of other exemplary embodiments described above. The reference signs in the claims should not be regarded as limitations.

[0048] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0049] This application claims the priority of European patent application No. 20 174 959.5 filed on May 15, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0050] Reference numerals list

[0051] 100 operation modules

[0052] 112 Upper part

[0053] 114 side handle

[0054] 115 Display

[0055] 116 Operation buttons

[0056] 118 lower part

[0057] 120 radio module

[0058] 140 electrical connection components

[0059] Route 145

[0060] 160 connection fittings

[0061] 165 lines

[0062] 180 printed circuit board

[0063] 200 metal sensor housing

[0064] 210 Observation window

[0065] 220 high frequency housing sleeve

[0066] 225 lines

[0067] 240 Antenna

[0068] 280 sensor device

[0069] 300 Field equipment, measuring equipment, measuring systems

[0070] 400 Flowchart

[0071] Steps 402-408

Claims

1. A detachable display and operating module (100) for a field device (300), the field device being used for filling level measurement or limit level determination, wherein: The display operation module (100) is configured to be arranged in a sensor housing (200), and the display operation module (100) comprises: a radio module (120); and An electrical connection element (140) is configured to form a detachable connection with a connection fitting (160), so that a high-frequency signal from the radio module (120) is transmitted to a high-frequency housing sleeve (220) via the electrical connection element (140) and the connection fitting (160), and then transmitted to an antenna (240) of the field device (300) via the high-frequency housing sleeve (220), wherein the antenna (240) is arranged outside the sensor housing (200), Therein, the electrical connection element (140) is configured to transmit frequencies in a telecommunications band.

2. The display operation module (100) according to claim 1, in, The electrical connection element (140) is fixed on a printed circuit board (180).

3. The display operation module (100) according to claim 2, in, The electrical connection element (140) is connected to the printed circuit board (180) via a cable (145).

4. The display operation module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The electrical connection element (140) is designed as a coaxial plug, and the connection mating piece (160) is designed as a coaxial socket, or The electrical connection element (140) is designed as a coaxial socket, and the connection mating piece (160) is designed as a coaxial plug.

5. The display operation module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The electrical connection element (140) is configured to transmit frequencies between 100 MHz and 5 GHz.

6. A sensor housing (200) of a field device (300) for filling level measurement or limit level determination, which is designed to completely accommodate a display and operating module (100) with a radio module (120) and an electrical connection element (140) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The sensor housing (200) includes a high-frequency housing sleeve (220) which is configured to transmit a high-frequency signal from the radio module (120) to an antenna (240) via the high-frequency housing sleeve (220). The antenna (240) is arranged outside the sensor housing (200).

7. The sensor housing (200) according to claim 6, in, The high-frequency housing sleeve (220) is designed as a coaxial plug or a coaxial socket.

8. The sensor housing (200) according to claim 6 or 7, in, The electrical connection element (140) is designed as a coaxial plug or a coaxial socket.

9. A method for producing a field device (300) for filling level measurement or limit level determination, comprising the following steps: Provide a sensor housing (200) according to any one of claims 6 to 8 and a detachable display and operation module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5; The high-frequency housing sleeve (220) connected to the connecting fitting (160) is arranged on the sensor housing (200); connecting the connection fitting (160) to the electrical connection element (140) connected to the radio module (120) of the detachable display and operation module (100); and The display and operation module (100) is arranged in the sensor housing (200), wherein the sensor housing (200) completely accommodates the display and operation module (100) and the connecting element (140).

10. The method according to claim 9, comprising the further steps of: Arranging an antenna (240) on the sensor housing (200); and The antenna (240) is connected to the high frequency housing sleeve (220).

11. Use of the detachable display and operating module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or the sensor housing (200) according to any one of claims 6 to 8 for filling level measurement or limit level determination.

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